There’s no shortage of coaching candidates in the NHL, and each organization has a different perspective on what they’re looking for in their next bench boss—to each their own, as the saying goes. However, the clock is ticking for teams like David Pastrnak’s Boston Bruins and Sidney Crosby’s Pittsburgh Penguins, who just watched the Chicago Blackhawks take a new coach off the board in hopes of righting the ship for Connor Bedard and the rest of the squad.
Although these three teams share a common sentiment after missing the postseason, they are all in very different stages with their current rosters. Chicago is still a young and inexperienced team that’s learning how hard they can fall to the ground and get back up on their feet—only to endure even more beatdowns.
Bedard‘s presence helps calm the fans and provides moments of relief with his skills, but that’s about it for the Hawks in the NHL at the moment. Thus, hiring Jeff Blashill made much sense for Chicago.
Blashill’s lone NHL head coaching experience with the Detroit Red Wings was unsuccessful in terms of playoff appearances and silverware, but he helped lay the foundation for much of the core now driving the engine in Motor City. Regardless, both Boston and Pittsburgh have different interests than Chicago, and their coaching search reflect those contrasts.
Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks reacts after a 6-2 loss against the St. Louis Blues in the 2024 NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field on December 31, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.
Boston’s situation
The Bruins, on the other hand, featured a lineup many believed was worthy of a Stanley Cup Playoffs appearance—had they caught a few better breaks, or perhaps not thrown in the towel on Jim Montgomery so early in the year.
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But they did, and they parted ways with key players in exchange for draft stock, seemingly signaling that a rebuild is underway in Boston. For now, the Bruins must find a new coach to lead Pastrnak—who might become the next team captain—into the 2025–26 NHL season. Whether they embrace the tank or they battle in hopes of starring in the wild card race, that’s a dilemma for the future in Beantown.
“On Bruins’ coaching search, my understanding is final interviews will be conducted next week and then a decision to come after that. Not sure who made the cut. Boston has talked to a lot of people. Marco Sturm, Jay Woodcroft, Mitch Love, Luke Richardson, Joe Sacco, Jay Leach among those believed to have interviewed“ insider Pierre LeBrun stated.
David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Ottawa Senators during the first period at TD Garden on January 23, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Waddling on thin ice
Lastly, the Penguins feature an aging roster which is far past its glory days, yet it seems the organization refuses to give up on the dream—almost utopia—of Crosby and company going in one more magical run.
Mike Sullivan and Pittsburgh parted ways after ten years, marking the end of an era in Steel City. The two-time Stanley Cup winning bench boss has now joined rivals in the Big Apple, the New York Rangers.
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According to reports, the pipeline between the Metropolitan Division sides might be in full force as the Pens are targetting an assistant coach currenly on the Washington Capitals.
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“One candidate to watch is Washington Capitals assistant coach Mitch Love,” insider Josh Yohe said about the Penguins’ head coaching search. “Penguins team sources have told me that Love, who was a very successful junior and AHL coach, was impressive during his interview.“
